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• Since its release on June 12, 2008, a debate has emerged among gamers over the political message of Metal Gear Solid 4.

  Specifically, the game's efforts to engage ideas of heroism and just cause and the depiction of a conflict between militia groups and mercenaries have been identified as parallels to contemporary conflicts and politics.The New York Times: The Shootout Over Hidden Meanings in a Video Game (June 22, 2008)

• Fast Facts

  1. Game released on June 12, 2008
  2. Players can choose to join militia groups or avoid them
  3. Debate has emerged due to the game's ambiguous depiction of warThe New York Times: The Shootout Over Hidden Meanings in a Video Game (June 22, 2008)
  4. Creator Hideo Kojima avoids commenting on the meaning of his gamesThe New York Times: The Shootout Over Hidden Meanings in a Video Game (June 22, 2008)
  5. New game incorporates cinematic scenes that last up to 90 minutes1up: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Review (June 12, 2008)

• Industry Politics

  A slightly different, industry specific, controversy has also emerged from the release of Metal Gear Solid 4.

  Several prominent video game industry journalists revealed that the game's maker, Konami, asked early reviewers to sign contracts agreeing to keep key technical details, like the length of cut scenes and installation size, from their reports. These statements have launched a debate about reviewer integrity and legitimacy.The Buzz (Pocket Gamer): The Bee muses on critical integrity and Metal Gear Solid 4 (June 6, 2008)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Guns of the Patriots | Metal Gear Solid 4 Walkthrough | Metal Gear Solid 4 Review

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